India donates buses, trucks to UPDF
The Indian government has donated an assortment of vehicles and motorcycles to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to augment on the professionalization efforts of the Ugandan army.
The donation including 10 Tata buses, 10 Tata trucks, two Tata ambulances and 14 motorcycles was in fulfilment of an earlier pledge by the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi when he visited Uganda in July 2018.
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The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesige, who received the donation at Kololo ceremonial grounds on behalf of government expressed gratitude for the historic bilateral historic friendship existing between both countries, noting that the gesture will help UPDF register successes in delivering national security, regional and international peace.
Mwesige said that the various cooperation offers and support in technical and professional fields have enhanced the professional disposition of UPDF.
“We view them as a sign of brotherly friendship and we shall always remain grateful for this immense cooperation,” he said.
The Defence minister promised to put the vehicles to good use since they will enhance troop mobility in the execution of national defence.
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Ajay Kumar commended Uganda for maintaining the deep-rooted historic relationship between both countries, saying this is hinged on the struggle for both freedom and independence.
He pledged India’s continued support to UPDF in terms of capacity building and training.
The function was also attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in Charge of General Duties Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, Under Secretary Finance and Administration Edith Buturo who represented the Permanent Secretary and the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi.
Others who attended included the UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the Chief of Logistics and Engineering Brig. Charles Bakahumura, representatives from the Indian community in Uganda, and other UPDF senior officers.
